What Are the Signs of a Post-Accident Concussion?

When you are involved in any accident, your head is often vulnerable. Even in vehicles with a variety of airbags, significant force can be exerted on your head. You may hit your head on something or by strike it on an object. While your skull is there to protect your brain, it can only do so much. Extreme force can affect your brain inside your skull. When this happens, you typically suffer a concussion. This mild form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have serious consequences, which is why it is important to identify when you may be suffering from a concussion.

If you suffered a concussion or more serious TBI in an accident, your next step is to speak with our Ohio personal injury lawyers at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA. We will review your situation and advise you on pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim with an insurer or in court.

Contact us at (419) 625-7770 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

Signs of a Concussion

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of a concussion can last for days, weeks, or months. You may experience very few and subtle signs of the injury, or you may experience numerous and significant symptoms. Some symptoms can arise quickly, while others manifest hours or days later.

Signs of a concussion include:

  • Temporary loss of consciousness
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Appearing dazed
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Delayed responses to questions
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Taste and smell disorders
  • Sleep issues
  • Irritability
  • Depression

Signs of Post-Concussion Syndrome

In addition to a concussion, you may also experience post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The Mayo Clinic reports you can experience symptoms of this disorder for weeks or months after the initial injury that caused the concussion. You could also experience symptoms for more than a year.

PCS typically appears seven to 10 days after your initial injuries. The signs are similar to those for a concussion. However, in addition to depression, you may experience anxiety and other psychological issues. Sleep disturbances may become insomnia.

Physicians are not entirely sure of the cause of PCS, as it does not appear to be related to the severity of the initial concussion. It is likely that this disorder is linked to physical factors – such as structural damage to the brain and nerves – and psychological factors.

Post-Concussion Syndrome May Impact Your Claim

No matter the underlying cause of PCS, the symptoms you experience following a concussion are real and can significantly impact your life. If you are a student, you may see your grades slip. If you are an athlete, you may have to miss all or a sizeable part of your season. You could get behind on your physical training. You may have performance issues at work. The psychological issues, in particular, could strain your relationships.

When you are diagnosed with this disorder, you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer right away. The fact that you do not recovery quickly from the concussion and can expect to experience the injuries’ negative effects for an extended period of time may increase the value of your claim. You may need additional medical care to treat the symptoms of your PCS. You may need to take more time off work, using up your sick and vacation days. Additionally, you need to account for your greater amount of physical pain and mental suffering.

Let Our Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers Help You

When you suffer a concussion in an accident, or both a concussion and post-concussion syndrome, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA, we have years of experience of handling accident claims based on concussions. We understand the ways in which a concussion can change your life.

We will review your situation from every angle to ensure we properly calculate your damages and seek an appropriate amount of compensation from the at-fault party. We will fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. Contact us at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free consultation today.